A Lifestyle Intervention Targeting Enhanced Health and Function for Persons With Chronic SCI in Caregiver/Care-Receiver Relationships: Effects of Caregiver Co-Treatment

"The SCI Intervention group will undergo intense exercise, a defined nutrition program, and an educational program taught by the study investigators. The exercise will require them to undergo supervised activity 3 times weekly for 6 months. They will also participate in a series of educational sessions that examine their lifestyle, and modify exercise/nutritional habits. After 6 months they will advance to another 6 months or extension phase in which the investigators expect them to continue to exercise up to 3 times per week at our center or at home by using elastic exercise bands (Thera-band) and handles that the Investigators will provide and teach how to use. They will also be expected to continue the modified nutritional program."

"The Caregiver Intervention group will undergo intense exercise, a defined nutrition program, and an educational program taught by the study investigators. The exercise will require them to undergo supervised activity 3 times weekly for 6 months. They will also participate in a series of educational sessions that examine their lifestyle, and modify exercise/nutritional habits. After 6 months they will advance to another 6 months or extension phase in which the investigators expect them to continue to exercise up to 3 times per week at our center or at home by using elastic exercise bands (Thera-band) and handles that the Investigators will provide and teach how to use. They will also be expected to continue the modified nutritional program."

The Caregiver Control group will also discuss ways in which health and fitness can be improved through exercise and nutrition and will also be offered a fully paid membership to the an exercise fitness center to encourage them to exercise and consume a healthy diet. Unlike the Caregiver Intervention group(CCC) the lifestyle recommendations will be provided by internet authorities such as Web Medical(WebMD), the US Department of Agriculture, and the US Department of Human Health Services, which are dependable websites that promote healthy ways of living.